Times of India poll on 7th May, 2002 showed that corruption is perceived to be the biggest problem facing the country today “the number one problem”

"Fifty-five years of our existence as an independent nation and 53 years of working of the Constitution, have resulted in one common experience of all Indian citizens. They cannot go to any public organisation or office today and get the services which they are supposed to get without either paying bribe or bringing influence by way of recommendations or references from VIPs," emphasises N. Vittal — a man who has observed, analysed and above all, boldly crusaded against corruption, calling it "by far the biggest challenge to the growth of our society and nation." His current outlook on corruption in India is that of a self-determined, sensitive patriot who by virtue of his position as the Central Vigilance Commissioner (CVC) had the opportunity of being able to get a panoramic view of the whole thing — only to conclude,
that the problem of corruption CAN BE TACKLED.

Through this slim, easy-to-read book, he shares with us his thoughts, ideas, and experiences on this critical subject and his vision of "a corruption-free India."

Humorous and witty at places, throwing up hard facts in-between, the twelve chapters comprising this book 'openly' discuss the serious aspects of corruption and the various interrelated issues. Readers would find very convincing, the simple and straight-forward arguments posed by the well informed author. Using examples from real life, quoting words of wisdom (shlokas), making references to great people and great books, N. Vittal has done every bit to illustrate corruption in India as 'the roadblock' to national prosperity. But his task does not end here. Vittal's writing is soaked in optimism. His worthwhile suggestions keep coming all the way and the final chapter virtually declares his proposed "strategy" to combat corruption most effectively.
The book is meant to attract anybody and everybody who feels strongly about corruption and doesn't mind reading a few pages written by someone as appropriate as Mr. N. Vittal.

N. Vittal has just retired as Central Vigilance Commissioner (CVC), Government of India, after completing his four year term. He joined the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) in 1960 and was allotted the Gujarat cadre. He was secretary to Government of India in the departments of (i) Electronics and (ii) Tele-communications and thereafter was Chairman of the Public Enterprises Selection Board. As Chairman, Telecom Commission, Mr. Vittal initiated the process of liberalization in the telecom sector. He was instrumental in formulation of the National Telecom Policy 1994. As Secretary, Department of Electronics, he initiated the concept of software technology books. His publications include seven books and hundreds of lectures and articles (in various weeklies and dailies). He has innumerable awards to his credit. In August 1997 his name was included in the BT list of "Fifty men and women who shaped the economy" in the 50 years after India’s Independence. He was "Dataquest IT Man of the Year 1993". He was honored with "The Hidden Talent of India Award" by the OISCA International; "The Great Son of the Soil Award 1998" by All India Conference of Intellectuals; and the honour of "Desh Seva Ratnam" conferred by the Jagadguru Sri Sankaracharya of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam, 2001.

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